Clarence Teo - On HYROX, Coaching, and Building a Fitter Singapore: Why This Fitness Coach Competes to Inspire
- John Yeong
- Jun 24
- 3 min read
From CrossFit roots to HYROX podiums, Clarence shares his journey, race prep tips, and how he’s helping everyday athletes conquer their first HYROX
For Clarence Teo, fitness has never been just about personal bests or podium finishes. As a seasoned fitness coach and competitor, his journey is rooted in something deeper: building a community, pushing personal limits, and inspiring others to step outside their comfort zones.
The owner and head coach of Fit Stop and the Almost Athlete Club, Clarence has a strong background in CrossFit, and is no stranger to competitive fitness. But it was HYROX — the global fitness racing phenomenon — that gave him a fresh challenge, one that resonated far beyond the walls of the gym.
“For a long time, CrossFit was the only competition,” he explains. “But HYROX being so accessible has allowed all ages and fitness levels to participate in something truly challenging. You don’t get a better feeling of camaraderie than doing something hard together.”
Clarence isn’t just a competitor. He’s also a coach to many preparing for their first race. His approach balances intensity with sustainability, a lesson he’s learned firsthand.
“Finishing HYROX taught me that going hard all the time isn’t the best strategy. Learning how to pace yourself not only gets you further, but often, it gets you a faster time.”
Of course, HYROX isn’t just about physical grit — it’s about mental toughness too. When things get tough mid-race, Clarence relies on some unusual motivation. “I slap my chest and yell,” he laughs. “But the best advice I’ve gotten? Imagine your loved ones trapped in a fire and you’ve got to run in and save them. It sharpens your focus real quick.”
One of his most memorable HYROX moments? “I remember cramping during the farmer’s carry, shouting for my wife to get the cramp spray. Like an F1 tire changer, she sprinted over and sprayed my calf in record time. I’ve never seen her move that fast.”
Clarence’s results speak for themselves — last year, he finished among the top Singaporean men in the Pro category.
“Okay, that’s kind of a self-made category,” he jokes. “But seriously, it was affirming to see that the training methodology I’ve been developing actually works — and now I can share that with others.”
Now gearing up for his second HYROX after competing in Bangkok, Clarence has spent the last five months in his longest training season yet. “It’s been gruelling,” he admits. “But this time, I’m focusing more on quality than just grinding.”
As both a coach and competitor, he’s quick to bust myths about HYROX preparation. “People think they need to keep doing full HYROX simulations or punishing high-intensity workouts to improve. That’s like thinking seasoning is the whole meal. The real work happens in building strength, aerobic capacity, and recovery.”
With just days to go until race day, Clarence’s advice is clear and simple: “SLEEP AND CARBS. Seriously. And don’t overthink it. If you’re nervous, that’s normal — it just means you care. Go for an ice bath, float therapy, or a gentle walk. Trust that the work has been done.”
For Clarence, HYROX is more than a race — it’s a reflection of his personal growth, his approach to coaching, and his passion for building a supportive community. And whether on the competition floor or in the gym, he’s proving that success isn’t just measured by finish times — but by how you lift others up along the way. For more inspiring feature stories on sports, fitness, and the athletes shaping Singapore’s active community, stay tuned to 👉 www.sportplus.sg/features #HYROXSG #HYROXWorld #SgFitness
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